Other names : Lakshmana, Laxman, Lakhan
Two sons were born to Sumitra, the second wife of Dashratha: Lakshman and his twin Shatrughna. According to some Puranic lore, Lakshmana was an incarnation of Sheshnaga, the divine serpent that supports Vishnu on the Ocean of Milk.
Just as Sheshnaga is always close to Vishnu, so Lakshman is always by Ram’s side. Lakshman was completely devoted to Ram and stayed close to him like a living shadow. He was always resolute in his thought and decisive in action, and was thus named Lakshman by sage Vashishtha.To obey Ram and to serve him; this was his goal in life. Kaikeyi, his stepmother, asked two boons from Dashratha, an exile of fourteen years for Ram and the throne for her son Bharat.
When Ram prepared to leave for the forest, Lakshman insisted on going too, leaving without regretting the comfort and luxury of the palace. He even tore himself away from the loving care of his mother and the affection of his newly wedded wife Urmila, to serve Ram and Sita.
”According to some Puranic lore, Lakshmana was an incarnation of Sheshnaga, the divine serpent that supports Vishnu on the Ocean of Milk. Just as Sheshnaga is always close to Vishnu, so too Lakshmana is always by Ram’s side. Lakshmana was completely devoted to Ram and stayed close to him like a living shadow.”
In the forest,while Ram rested, Lakshman stayed awake the whole night keeping watch, in order to protect Ram and Sita in those dangerous and dark surroundings. He followed Brahmacharya (the vow of celibacy) for fourteen years in the forest, and spent his day serving Ram and Sita, and his nights watching over them.
In the battle between Ram and Ravan, Lakshman killed Indrajit (Meghnad), who was stronger than Ravan. It is impossible to narrate the glory of Ram, without also describing the fraternal love, valor, devotion and sacrifice of Lakshman.He lived for Ram and died for Ram. This is the sum total of Lakshmana’s character. Wherever there is a temple dedicated to Ram and Sita, a place is always made for Lakshmana too.
